JLPT N1 Grammar

〜とは打って変わって (to wa utte kawatte)

〜とは打って変わって (to wa utte kawatte)
“Completely different from; in contrast to; unlike...”

This expression is used to describe a dramatic, noticeable, and sudden change in a situation, attitude, or atmosphere compared to a previous state. It emphasizes a "180-degree turn" where the current condition is the polar opposite of what it was before.

  • Formality: Neutral to Formal. It is common in both sophisticated speech and written Japanese.
  • Context: Frequently used in business reports (market shifts), news broadcasting (weather changes), and literature. In a professional setting, it is often used to describe a sudden change in a client's attitude, a project's direction, or economic conditions.
  • Nuance: The phrase implies a sense of surprise or impact. It is not used for gradual changes; it requires a clear "before and after" contrast. The "打って" (utte) adds a sense of dynamism, as if something has been "struck" and changed instantly.

Format

  • Noun + とは打って変わって
    昨日の時化とは打って変わって、今日は穏やかな海だ。 Unlike yesterday's stormy weather, the sea is calm today.
  • Verb (Standard/Plain Form) + のとは打って変わって
    先週まで売れ行きの悪かったのとは打って変わって、今週は注文が殺到している。 In stark contrast to the poor sales until last week, orders are flooding in this week.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    In complete contrast to their bullish stance until last week, our competitors are now showing a cautious response.
  • 、。
    In total contrast to the chaos at the start of the inauguration, the organization has regained stability under the new CEO.
  • 、。
    Quite unlike the calm weather in the morning, it turned into a heavy thunderstorm starting from the afternoon.
  • 、。
    In sharp contrast to his friendly manner in private, he is extremely strict while at work.
  • 、。
    Completely different from the consumption that had cooled down due to the recession, the long holiday period is showing a booming market.
  • 、。
    Unlike yesterday's chill, today the weather is spring-like and warm.
  • 、。
    In stark contrast to the deserted store until last week, it became crowded with many customers once the sale began.
  • 、。
    Quite unlike how he had been keeping silent, he suddenly started talking volubly.
  • 、。
    In complete contrast to the old model that prioritized tradition, the new product adopts an innovative design.
  • 、。
    Unlike up until yesterday, when I only received rejection notices, today I received job offers from three companies.

Similar Grammar

〜に反して (ni hanshite)

“Contrary to; against”
予想に反して、株価が下落した。 Contrary to expectations, the stock price fell.

Difference:

  • Used when a result goes against a specific expectation, prediction, or rule.
  • It doesn't necessarily imply a "dramatic change" in state like ~とは打って変わって does.

〜とは対照的に (to wa taishōteki ni)

“In contrast to...”
兄が社交的なのとは対照的に、弟は内向的だ。 In contrast to the older brother being social, the younger brother is introverted.

Difference:

  • Used to compare two different things or people existing at the same time.
  • ~とは打って変わって is usually used for the same subject changing over time.

〜反面 (hanmen)

“On the other hand; but at the same time”
この仕事は高収入な反面、非常に忙しい。 While this job has a high income, it is also very busy.

Difference:

  • Used to describe two co-existing sides of the same thing (pros and cons).

〜にかかわらず (ni kakawarazu)

“Regardless of...”
天候にかかわらず、試合は行われる。 Regardless of the weather, the match will be held.

Difference:

  • Indicates that the following action is not influenced by the preceding factor.

〜なりに (nari ni)

“In one's own way; suitable for”
子供なりに一生懸命考えた結果だ。 It’s the result of a child thinking hard in their own way.

Difference:

  • Expresses that something is appropriate for a certain level or state; unrelated to contrast or change.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. がし、までの傾向（　　　）、にが。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. システムのをする（　　　）、のをするがある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. がした（　　　）、のがからなものへと。
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B.
C.
D.

Q4. までの（　　　）、はのをするだ。
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B.
C.
D.

Q5. の、いた（　　　）、朝からのがいる。
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B.
C.
D.

Q6. な（　　　）、でをことは。
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B.
C.
D.

Q7. のは、の（　　　）、にをものとなった。
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B.
C.
D.

Q8. はのな（　　　）、にはで。
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B.
C.
D.

Q9. が（　　　）、がし、をしてきている。
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B.
C.
D.

Q10. でして（　　　）、によりはを。
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B.
C.
D.

Q11. でなを（　　　）、をは。
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D.

Q12. リーマン（　　　）、のはにした。
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B.
C.
D.

Q13. のが鳴いていた（　　　）、このは今、でている。
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B.
C.
D.

Q14. がして（　　　）、がをことで、に。
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B.
C.
D.

Q15. の（　　　）、のをことが。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Continue Your Journey to Native-Level Fluency

Great work finishing this session! Achieving N1-level precision is about layering these subtle distinctions until they become second nature in your professional life.

To maintain your momentum and eliminate any remaining blind spots, head back to our JLPT N1 Grammar List. Use it to systematically check off each point and refine your ability to navigate complex Japanese environments with the confidence of a native speaker.

JLPT N1 Grammar List

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